From Father Steven - August 4, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • August 2, 2024

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

 

This week, I am delighted to share updates on upcoming parish projects and initiatives.

 

Nineteen high schoolers from our parish embarked on a mission trip to the Bronx, where they engaged in street evangelization alongside the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Sisters of Charity (founded by Mother Teresa) and the Sisters for Life. It was an amazing experience to discover Christ in the poor…and to realize that at times we can be poorer than them. I will ask them to share their experience with you very soon.

 

As you may be aware, Archbishop Cardinal Seán will soon retire as the Archbishop of Boston. As per canon law, bishops submit their resignation upon reaching the age of 75. The Pope typically accepts the resignation between the bishop's 75th and 80th birthdays. Cardinal Seán turned 80 last month. Therefore, we anticipate the Pope's acceptance of his resignation and the appointment of a new Archbishop for Boston in the near future. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Seán for his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our archdiocese. As a deacon I was at the Cathedral, and I was able to witness his immense love for the people.

 

On a separate note, we are excited to share the plan to create two new groups in the parish. They are still in their early stages. The first is a bereavement group This ministry provides support and guidance to those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. The second is like an Emmaus group. This group is designed for seniors, widows, widowers, and all who seek fellowship and spiritual growth. Members will gather weekly for social events, theological discussions, and shared life experiences, fostering friendships and ensuring that no one walks their journey alone.

 

With the arrival of Father Gabriel and Father Victor, we are exploring the possibility of offering short-term programs, including theology lessons. This summer, we will also offer to bless homes that have not yet received God's presence. If you would like your home to be blessed, please contact Lee Ann in the office.

 

Additionally, we will take advantage of the summer months to upgrade various aspects of our church building, including repairs and painting of windows, cleaning and installing new gutters, and general maintenance. All the work is being done by parishioners who have companies that allows us to pay reasonable pricing thanks to your generous offerings in the maintenance and development collections. Hopefully you have noticed the work done in the landscaping of the parking lot and around the church.

 

Lastly, in August, I will be away on vacation, followed by participation in a mission. I will spend time with my family and dedicate myself to spiritual reflection and evangelization. Please keep us priests and staff in your prayers so that we can best serve you in this upcoming year. Be assured also of our daily prayers for each one of you. Feel free to share with us any special intentions we may pray for. We also ask that you inform us if you or someone you know is experiencing medical challenges or has been hospitalized. We will gladly visit and keep them in our prayers.

 

I hope you have a great end of your summer break never leaving Jesus behind. Take advantage to pray a bit more, go to confession anywhere, and do things you usually don’t have the time to do. Work is important, so is recreation. The equilibrium between the two is the foundation for a balanced life.

 

God Bless You,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - January 4, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • January 2, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar.” This is a well-known song that we sing and hear every year during this season. Yet, I wonder how often we pause to reflect on the meaning of these words. As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany this weekend, I would like to reflect on three aspects of the Magi: they left their homes, they traveled from afar, and they returned by a different way. There are many traditions and even myths surrounding the wise men. Were they truly kings? Were they astronomers? Where did they come from? What gifts did they bring? When exactly did they arrive in Bethlehem? While many of these questions remain open to speculation, there are a few things we know for certain. As the song reminds us, they were men who journeyed from afar, bearing gifts for the Christ Child. Perhaps we imagine their journey in modern terms: three men meeting at an airport, boarding a plane to Israel, then taking a transfer or an Uber while following a GPS pin to the child. But in reality, their journey was nothing like that. These men risked their lives. They faced the harsh elements of the desert and the many dangers of the road—wild animals, bandits, and countless unknowns. They had to renounce the comfort of their homes and the security of familiarity. Yet they were confident in the sign they had seen in the sky. They were people attentive to God, waiting for a word that would point them in the right direction. Pope Benedict XVI once reflected on this profound moment, saying: “The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star. It was as if the journey had always been part of their destiny, and was finally about to begin.” As beautiful and inspiring as their story is, we are invited to place ourselves within it. What if we were among them? Would we spend long hours searching for a sign from God? Would we be willing to leave behind the comfort of our lives to begin such a journey? What would we be willing to risk in order to encounter the Messiah face to face? These are questions worth asking, because God desires to reveal himself—have an epiphany—in our lives every day. The real question is whether we desire it enough: what we are willing to leave behind, and whether we are willing to face the challenges that come with following him. Each day we bring many intentions before God. Certain situations reveal our lack of charity, our pride, or other sins, prompting us—after honest examination—to ask God for help. The same can be said of any vice or weakness. Yet the question remains: how far are we willing to go to grow in humility, charity, and holiness? The Magi understood that without the Messiah, everything else lost its meaning. Without a personal encounter with Jesus, all the riches of the world amounted to nothing. They seemed to know this deeply. But do we? Once again, Pope Benedict offers guidance: “The better you know Jesus, the more his mystery attracts you. The more you discover him, the more you are moved to seek him. This is a movement of the Spirit which lasts throughout life.” We also know that the Magi “returned to their own country by a different way.” Their story did not end in Bethlehem; they still had a long journey home, facing the same dangers once more. This time, however, they no longer followed a star. After encountering Christ, the light now lived within them. Later, Jesus would affirm this truth when he said that we are the light of the world. In baptism, we too receive the light of Christ. Pope Benedict describes the Magi’s new mission in these words: “Their task was to guard and nourish it in the constant memory of Christ, of his Holy Face, of his ineffable Love.” This is the mission of every Christian. And I would go even further: we are not only called to guard and nourish the love of God within us—we are also called to spread that love to all those around us.  God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - December 25, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • December 23, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, During these days of Christmas, I would like to reflect with you on the figure of the shepherds. They were simply minding their own business, as on so many other nights, watching over their flocks. We might be tempted to imagine them as admirable people, faithfully and diligently doing their work. However, in the time of Jesus, shepherds were not regarded as great individuals—certainly not as role models. They were often viewed with suspicion, considered unreliable, even labeled as thieves or liars. Because they worked at night and rested during the day, they were frequently absent from the synagogue and were thought to be neglectful of prayer and religious observance. Yet, remarkably, these were the very people chosen by God to be the first to receive the announcement of the birth of the Savior. Saint Luke tells us that an angel appeared to the shepherds, bringing them “good news of great joy for all the people: for today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:10–11). At that moment, the shepherds faced a choice: they could have continued minding their business, dismissing the angel’s message, or they could believe and act upon it. They may have been tired after a long night’s work, perhaps tempted to remain where they were. But that is not what happened. Saint Luke tells us that they “went in haste” (Lk 2:16). They did not worry about what others might think of them or whether they would be believed given their poor reputation. They hurried to find their Savior. And although they brought no material gifts to Mary and Joseph, they offered what was most precious of all—their hearts. During this Christmas season, we are invited to imitate the shepherds. Perhaps, like them, we have not been the best Christians lately. Maybe our Mass attendance or prayer life has been inconsistent. Yet, just as God chose the shepherds, He also chooses us. He reveals His Son to us and entrusts us with the mission of sharing the great joy of Christmas. Now we face the same decision: will we take the time to seek the Lord, or will we continue with the routines of daily life? We may feel tired, distracted, or even surrounded by darkness. Nevertheless, this encounter with Christ has the power to change our habits, our beliefs, and our lives. God invites us to come before Him and offer our hearts, so that we too may return to our daily lives “glorifying and praising God” (Lk 2:20).  The light that shines in the darkness, foretold by the prophet Isaiah (cf. Is 9:2), has been given to us. Even today, many people are hungry and thirsty for God, longing to see the light. God has chosen us to be His messengers, His angels, in the world. In the Christmas story, the angels repeatedly tell us, “Do not be afraid,” for God is with us. Therefore, do not be afraid to open your heart to Jesus and to share the joy of Christmas with all people. On behalf of all the staff of Immaculate Conception, we wish you and your loved ones a blessed and holy Christmas season. May the newborn Christ fill your hearts with His peace, joy, and love. Merry Christmas and God bless you. God Bless, Fr. Steven